Washing device



Feb. 11, 11. B WOQDSON 2,231,046

/ WASHING DEVICE I Filed March 21, 1938 Hi5 ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 11,1941 5 UNITED STATES PATENT GREECE 2,231,046 l I, I

WASHING DEVICE Claude B. Woodson, San Francisco, Calif.

Application March 21, 1938, Serial No. 197,226

3 Claims. (01. 68 1-215) I My invention relates to an improved washingdevice for use in washing fabrics, and more especially to a device formanual manipulation washing small quantities of light apparel.

for

It is among the objects of my invention to provide a washing device foreasily and effectively cleansing soiled fabrics.

Another object is to provide a washing device arranged to operate toobtain a combined pumping and rubbing action for rapidly and effectivelywashing soiled apparel, or other fabric materials.

A further object is to provide a washing device wherein flexiblefingers, forming the edges of a suction cup, apply a rubbing action uponfabrics while liquid is being forced through the fabric by the action ofthe cup.

Another object is to provide a washing device of a light and compactcharacter suitable for dividual home use, and which may be readilycarried for use while traveling.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the followingdescription of my invention. It is to be understood that I do not limitmyself to this disclosure of species of my invention as I may adoptvariant embodiments thereof within the scope of the claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred em' bodiment of the washingdevice of my invention,

parts being broken away.

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the suction cup collapsed, and thefingers in extended position.

Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views taken upon the lines 3-3 and 4-4 ofFigures 1 and 2 respectively.

the materials by action of the suction cup.

In terms of greater detail, my improved washing device comprises acup-shaped bodyl of material of a deformable elastic character such asmolded rubber. the closed end of the cup-shaped body I.

A handle 2 extends axially from Preferably the handle 2 is formedintegrally with the body, the handle being made of sufficient weight toafford the required rigidity when in use.

desired, the handle may be formed separately of any suitable rigidmaterial, and may be secured to the body in any convenient manner.

The edge of the body is provided with a plu-v rality of fingers 3 formedby slits 4 in the edge of the body. The slits 4 extend upwardly alongthe sides of the body from the open end to a point preferably slightlymore than one-third of the distance to the axis of the cup at its closedend. The open end of the body I is provided with an outwardly extendingflange 6, severed by the slits l, for strengthening the ends of thefingers 3. The inner edge of the open end of the cup is preferablyrounded, as at l, to provide a smooth rubbing area. The ends of theflange portions at 15 the sides of the fingers 3 are preferably roundedas at 8, to avoid sharp corners such as might injure delicate fabrics.

The body I tends to normally hold its natural cup-shaped form, with thefingers pressed tightly together along the edges formed by the slits 4,as shown in Figures 1 and 3. When pressure is applied by means of thehandle 2, the fingers are spread, and the center of the body iscollapsed, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Upon relieving the pressure, thebody and fingers spring back to their normal position.

For washing soiled articles of apparel or other fabric materials, thearticles are placed in a liquid medium, such as soapy water, and thewashing device is operated with a pumping action thereon. As pressure isapplied through the medium of the handle 2, the cup-shaped body I iscollapsed, and liquid enclosed within the cup is forced outwardlythrough and over the fabric. At the same time, the fingers 3 spread andexert a moderate rubbing action against the portions of fabricunderlying the fingers. When the pressure is released, the cup springsback to normal shape, thereby creating a suction which draws liquidthrough and over the fabric in a direction opposite to that in which theliquid was previously expelled. As the fingers 3 return to normalposition, they again rub over the underlying materials. The flow ofliquid through and over the fabric, coupled with the rubbing action ofthe fingers, results in a rapid and efficient cleaning compact sizewhich may be easily operated in a wash basin, or other small receptacle.A cupshaped body having a diameter of about four inches is a convenientsize for such purposes; and such a size may be readily packed andcarried for use by travelers when away from home. The device may ofcourse be made in larger sizes for general household use for washingmaterials of a more bulky character, or in greater quantities.

I claim:

1. A washing device comprising a suction cup of deformable elasticmaterial, the edge of the cup being severed at a plurality of points fordividing the edge into a plurality of flexible fingers normallyconforming to the shape of the cup with adjacent edges of adjacentfingers in proximate relation and each finger having a thickened portionat its-free end.

2. A washing device comprising a suction cup of deformable elasticmaterial, the edge of the cup being severed at a plurality of points fordiof the cup to provide a plurality of flexible fingers normallyconforming to the shape of the cup with the adjacent edges of adjacentfingers in proximate relation, said fingers being arranged to spreadoutwardly when subjected to pressure and to return to normal positionwhen said pressure is removed.

CLAUDE B. WOODS ON. 20

